"I don't think you can do that, anyway. We have seven games left, 14 points, and if we win, we take care of our own destiny.

"It's getting closer because the end of the season is coming quick but it's not too healthy or good to look at it that way.

"It's good for coaches to know and the media but, with seven games left, there's still a lot of games, a lot of hockey, you have to concentrate on. You can't look and think, 'If this team does this and this team does that.' "

Fans can, though, and the picture for the Flames is pretty rosy.

Holding top spot in the Northwest Division with 93 points heading into tonight's clash with Phoenix, the Flames can hit the 100-point milestone with a .500 record over their final seven games.

In comparison, the best the Los Angeles Kings (five games) could do is reach 97 points.

Vancouver (five games) can also only reach the 97-point mark by winning all of its remaining games.

Meanwhile, the best Edmonton (six games) can do is

100 points, while San Jose must win all eight contests left on the docket to reach 101.

Don't forget some of the teams chasing the Flames face each other.

For example, Vancouver and San Jose will square off in a home-and-home series, so at least one team won't finish the season perfectly.

Which means the Flames can officially punch a Stanley Cup playoff ticket before the weekend, if they can beat Phoenix tonight and Minnesota Friday and get a little help, as well.